We always knew that we wanted more than one child. The decision was not easy and once decided I was so nervous. Although our son is a challenge at times he also has been a blessing. So that made the decision. We have a daughter now almost 2 years old and so far typical. She started talking and walking really early and loves her brother to pieces. She has been the best thing that ever happened for him. She never gives up on him and challenges him every day. When she wakes her first thought is her brother and if his stressed she's stressed with him. She never let's him be alone. He tries to run from her at times and it's funny to watch. It warms my heart that he has a friend that loves him no matter what. And I pray that it stays that way. We are considering #3 for next year and the decision is still hard. But the chance we took was the best decision we ever made. Good luck and feel free to reach out to me if you need to talk. Xo

My son and daughter are 5 years apart. He has multiple disability issues. She's fine... a touch of ADD, but also an honors student at high school.

My EX-husband, on hearing a faulty pre-natal test that at first suggested she might have Downs, immediately wanted to abort her. He was NOT going to put more time into another child with challenges. I refused. When she was born, he cried over that moment... in shame.

You CANNOT know what will happen with further children, nor should you deprive your family of the blessing of their presence, if you want them, because of fears of the challenges they might face. People without a physical disability still face many challenges in their lives, some that end up debilitating, others from which they spring up to soar to new heights. Having a disability is just another one of those challenges... by the way, my son's in college.

Live each day with joy, be a strong advocate for your kids, love them unconditionally, and don't absorb yourself with "what-ifs." There are too many pitfalls in the world, and you can worry about them, or learn how to build bridges, find new pathways, and use that pogo stick to leap them.

My first son was diagnosed before I became pregnant with my second. It was a difficult decision to make, but my husband and I talked about the risks of having a second and the potential for another Autistic child. We discussed the potential life impact and whether we could handle a second child with autism. We also considered the financial impact, both current and long term of having either a neuro-typical child or a child with ASD.

After I became pregnant (over the age of 35), we also had an amniocenteses done. (This enabled us to rule out any genetic abnormalities, most notably fragile X). I am happy to report that my second child is a typical tenth grader.

Yes, making the decision to have a second child was hard, especially when considering the risks involved. Have an open an honest discussion with your partner and way all the factors involved.

Having a second child was the best decision we've ever made. Our firstborn was diagnosed when he was 23months old. Between ABA, Speech, OT and preschool, I honestly didn't know how I could have time for another one. But my husband really wanted to have more than one child. We both are closed to our brothers and sisters, so we want our son to experience growing up with a sibling.

Of course there was a concern if the second one is at risk. But at least this time we'd know what to do. We know whom to call and what procedure is needed. Every child has their own problem. Even "normal" ones. But not everyone has a team (of professionals!)behind their child trying to solve all his/her behaviors :D

My son is now 4 years old and doing great. His younger sister is 9 months and always put the biggest smile whenever she sees him. Especially after preschool. Timing is perfect for him because he is learning to socialize with others. He learns so much from being a brother. People asked him about her, gave him compliments of being a good brother, he would asked where she was, what was she doing, why is this, why is that, and sometimes he can tell people " ow don't worry. That's what babies do" ^.^

Makes my day everytime I see them play together. Priceless.

Our oldest had not yet been diagnosed but we were well aware that she had something. May I add, 21 years ago it wasn't quite so easy to get a diagnosis. However, we had our second child 3 1/2 years later and then were surprised with our third, one year later. I remember how we went back and forth about having another child but over the years we have never once had any regrets. Our younger two "typical" daughters have taught our oldest daughter things we never could. We also believe our girls have learned to be kinder, more undersranding young ladies because they grew up with a sister who has had to battle her way through the challenges ASD bombards her with every day.